Monday, October 22, 2012

Halloween Happiness


Here at KIA Autosport we really get into the holidays! Halloween is one of the most vivacious times of the year. Last week we ordered all our costumes themed as Wizard of Oz and this week we are getting into even more spooky fun with decorations around the office and a chili cook off!

Between costumes, decorations, and great food it is hard to say what the best part of Halloween is but one of the most fun things you can do is pumpkin carving. Pumpkin carving is a tradition that families and friends can pass along to do together.   It is easy to recall memories of going to the pumpkin patch with the family in search of the perfect pumpkin.  It seemed like the utter most important thing in the world that the pumpkin was the best of the best.  The search would consist of looking for the pumpkin with the most luscious color and perfectly plump shape. Once the perfect pumpkin was selected, one would instantly start dreaming and scheming of what was about to be carved into it. The carving process truly brings the families together so the KIA family wants to help your family make the best pumpkins at home as possible and here is how you do it!

Cutting the Pumpkin Top

If you want a unique way to seat yourself apart try cutting a star or a funky shape instead of the usual square.  

1.       Make a circle of dots with a marker on the top of your pumpkin.

2.       From there just start cutting your star points from your imagination.  (This should NEVER be done by anyone less than 15 without adult supervision!!)

3.       Make deep incisions so that you cut through the entire pumpkin top. The top should pop off easily after doing this.

Scooping Out the “Guts” of the Pumpkin

Lay down A LOT of newspaper before you start the scooping and cutting. It will be messy, VERY MESSY.

1.       Take a METAL spoon that won’t bend and start working on the walls of the pumpkin.

2.       Use an amble amount of pressure so that all of the insides are fully scraped out and there are no strings or chunks still in there.

3.       Most importantly make sure the bottom is fully carved and that you leave a nice flat surface for a candle to be able to sit on.

4.       IF you like pumpkin seeds put them into a bowl to clean later. If not, just put them onto the newspaper you laid out and simply wrap them up and remove that layer of paper for an easy clean up!

Drawing on the Design

This is done best with a water-based marker. This way if you don’t cut exactly on the line you can easily wipe off the marks from your pumpkin.

1.       Draw the cut-out so that the holes are large enough to provide proper ventilation for the candle.

2.       Keep in mind that though intricate designs are very cool they aren’t always the easiest to cut out!

3.       HAVE FUN! Draw whatever design that comes to mind and make sure it is something you love!

Carving Out Your Pumpkin

Don’t take it too seriously! It may not come out perfectly but if you had fun doing it then it really is the best of the best!

1.       Start cutting the middle facial features first and slowly move out ward.

2.       If you make a mistake you can reattach the piece by using parts of toothpicks!

3.       When you’re done place a candle in it and enjoy your beautiful creation!
 
When going through the process make sure to embrace the mess and have fun with the kinks! Pumpkin carving is about bring together and enjoying good company!

Monday, October 1, 2012

Pink Bra Campaign


The “Put On Your Pink Bra” campaign started in Florida 2011. It was created to help promote breast cancer awareness.  The pink bras are there to remind women throughout Florida that breast cancer is a disease that could affect all of us.  They represent the support the community brings to them and empowers women to keep fighting.  You can see women sporting their pink bras during Making Strides events. Woman are uniting together to support the fight against breast cancer.  Do your part today by joining the campaign and making your own pink bra!

Saturday, October 6th, KIA Autosport will be hosting a lunch-in to raise money for breast cancer. Women from the Pink Bra Campaign will be there with their pink bras on! So start decorating yours so you can show your support too! Not sure where to begin or what decorating a bra takes? Check how these helpful tips to get you started!

Tips on Decorating your Pink Bra:

·         Decide on a Theme

Whether you are planning on decorating by yourself or with a group, starting with a theme is a good way to keep your design on track and keep you from going to your craft store a million times.   If you are having a hard time thinking of a theme try imagining the materials you want to use. Sometimes they are a great source of inspiration!
 
Potential Materials:


1.       Jewels- You could never have too much bling!

2.       Bright Lace

3.       Any type of fringe or tassel

4.       Sequins- Fabric made of sequins makes applying them easier!

5.       Glitter

6.       Ribbon

7.       Paint

8.       Feathers

·         Essential Equipment:

1.       Hot water dye.  If you find a pink bra to start off with you won’t need this step but if you couldn’t find a pink bra as a base you will need to buy a white bra and then dye it!

2.       Small glue gun

3.       Fabric glue

4.       Needles and Thread


·         General Tips:

1.       ALWAYS wash your bra before decorating it.

2.       NEVER decorate under the arms- I could cause a serious rash and irritation.

3.       While decorating your bra, particularly the back, keep in mind of the elastic. If you decorate it too much the bra might not be able to stretch and fit!

4.       ALWAYS adjust your straps before you start decorating, that way you’ll know it will fit when you’re all done!

5.       While sewing on decorations, be careful of getting decorations on the inside of the bra.  Little strings and what not could end up being uncomfortable.

6.       Try to do at least one training walk in your bra or at least wear it around the house to ensure it is comfy enough!

7.       HAVE FUN WITH IT!

 

If you do not have time to decorate your own bra try doing it online! Bedazzle a bra online and send it to friends and family everywhere, to make sure they are giving themselves at home breast exams!

For more information about the Pink Bra campaign and stories go to: http://www.putonyourpinkbra.com/survivor_stories.php?id=3